Xàbia’s first public housing projects raise concerns over ‘shoebox’ apartments

Xàbia’s first public housing developments are on the way, but not without controversy. A total of 82 homes are planned across two plots covering 5,769 square metres, but critics have raised concerns about the small size of many of the units and the limited benefit to the town hall.

Of the total, just 16 homes will be handed over to the council for use as social rentals, a return of only 11.6% of the total surface area, compared to the 25% minimum usually granted in land-for-construction exchanges. Former mayor and PSPV spokesperson José Chulvi described the deal as “a scam”, pointing out that some of the units measure barely 30 square metres. “Is this the great project for the young people of Xàbia?” he asked, calling on the council to halt the process and build housing directly, rather than “giving away public land for speculation.”

The Valencian Housing and Social Entity (EVha) is expected to award the project to the company Fama Rehabilitaciones, with seven firms having submitted bids. Under the plans, the 16 council-owned apartments, ranging from 30 to 44 square metres, will be made available for affordable rentals. The developer will retain the remaining 66 homes, with many expected to go on sale.

Urban planning councillor Pere Sapena (PP) rejected claims that the developer would sell all the units, saying that prices are capped at €2,400 per square metre and that some will also be offered as rentals, with two-bedroom homes expected to be listed at around €600 per month. He also argued that the council should sell small public plots in Pi Verd to finance the purchase of additional homes.

One feature has attracted less scrutiny: both developments will include swimming pools. In a municipality with more than 9,200 registered pools – the highest number in the Comunidad Valenciana – it is perhaps no surprise. But with some apartments barely larger than the pool itself, the contrast has not gone unnoticed.

Translated and adapted from an original article by Alfons Padilla (Levante-EMV): Los 16 pisos que se entregarán a Xàbia para alquiler social son “cajas de zapatos”: tienen entre 30 y 44 m2